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	<title>Andy Rathbone&#039;s Blog &#187; Windows 7</title>
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	<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com</link>
	<description>Writer of the &#34;Windows For Dummies&#34; series, Andy Rathbone answers a different reader&#039;s question each week.</description>
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		<title>Upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows 7</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/08/30/upgrading-to-windows-7-from-windows-98/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/08/30/upgrading-to-windows-7-from-windows-98/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:00:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hardware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Software]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 98]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[copy files from Windows 98 to Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[portable floppy drive]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[upgrade]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[upgrading from Windows 98]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[USB floppy drive]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=2502</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Q: How do I transfer files from my old computer running Windows 98 Second Edition to my new Windows 7 computer? It is inconceivable to me that there is no easy way to transfer data from a computer that&#8217;s only 10 years old. Hewlett Packard&#8217;s tech support people said that it is impossible to transfer [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Win98.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2506" title="Upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows 7" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/Win98.png" alt="Upgrading from Windows 98 to Windows 7" width="210" height="255" /></a>Q:</strong> How do I transfer files from my old computer running Windows 98 Second Edition to my new Windows 7 computer?</em></p>
<p><em>It is inconceivable to me that there is no easy way to transfer data from a computer that&#8217;s only 10 years old.</em></p>
<p><em>Hewlett Packard&#8217;s tech support people said that it is impossible to transfer from Windows 98 Second Edition to Windows 7 &#8211; that no equipment exists anymore to support the transfer.</em></p>
<p><em>What do I do?</em></p>
<p><em><br />
</em></p>
<p><strong>A: </strong>Windows 7&#8242;s free &#8220;Windows Easy Transfer&#8221; program works pretty well at copying your files from a Windows XP or Windows Vista computer. But as you&#8217;ve discovered, the program conveniently ignores people with older Windows versions, like Windows Millennium, or Windows 98. That leaves you in the lurch.</p>
<p>Since there&#8217;s no automatic way to move the information from your Windows 98 computer to your new computer,  you&#8217;ll have to do the grunt work yourself.</p>
<p>You can transfer your information several ways:<span id="more-2502"></span></p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Floppy drives. </strong>Since you don&#8217;t need to copy a lot of information, the easiest transfer method is probably to buy a floppy drive that plugs into your new computer’s USB port. You’ll find several <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&amp;location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref_%3Dnb_sb_noss%26fsc%3D8%26ih%3D9_5_1_0_1_0_0_0_0_1.54_98%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dusb%2520floppy%2520drive%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957">USB floppy drives</a> for less than $20 sold by Amazon. Buy one, plug it into your Windows 7 computer, and you’ll be able to read any information your Windows 98 PC can store onto your diskettes.</li>
<li><strong>Hard drive. </strong>If your Windows 98 computer can no longer copy information to floppy disks, turn your old Windows 98 computer&#8217;s hard drive into a portable hard drive. Just buy an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&amp;location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref_%3Dnb_sb_noss%26fsc%3D1%26ih%3D4_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_0_1.180_54%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dexternal%2520hard%2520drive%2520enclosure%2520ide%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957">enclosure that can read the IDE drives </a>that were in style back then. <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/04/19/building-a-portable-hard-drive/">Insert the old hard drive into the enclosure</a>, an easy enough task. Then, plug the portable hard drive into your Windows 7 computer&#8217;s USB port, and you can cherry pick the files you want to salvage.</li>
</ul>
<p>No matter which transfer method you choose, be aware that most Windows 98 programs won&#8217;t run under Windows 7. You&#8217;ll have to buy updated version of your programs, and check to see if they can still open the same file formats used back in Windows 98.</p>
<p>Windows 98 only came out 12 years ago, but that&#8217;s several generations in computer time.</p>
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		<title>Why does my hard drive drag down my Windows Experience Index score?</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/08/23/why-does-my-hard-drive-drag-down-my-windows-experience-index/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/08/23/why-does-my-hard-drive-drag-down-my-windows-experience-index/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 23 Aug 2010 12:00:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Hardware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows Vista]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hard drives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[OCZ Vertex 2]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ssd]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ssd drives]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[wei]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows Experience Index]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=2464</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Q: When buying a new Hewlett Packard computer online, I customized it for the most power. But my Windows Experience Index shows only 5.9, with my weak link being my hard disk transfer speed. I&#8217;m really disappointed. How much stock should I put into Windows rankings? Can I do better by replacing my current hard [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/WEI.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2465" title="A slow hard drive drags down your Windows Experience Index rating." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/WEI.png" alt="A slow hard drive drags down your Windows Experience Index rating." width="380" height="212" /></a><em>Q: </em></strong><em>When buying a new Hewlett Packard computer online, I customized it for the most power.</em></p>
<p><em>But my Windows Experience Index shows only 5.9, with my weak link being my hard disk transfer speed.</em></p>
<p><em>I&#8217;m really disappointed. How much stock should I put into Windows rankings? Can I do better by replacing my current hard drive? What hard drives are on the market that are scoring 7 and up in transfer speed?</em></p>
<p><em>Are there changes I can make to my hard drive, like changing the filing system, that will speed it up and score it higher?</em></p>
<p><strong>A:</strong> A low-scoring hard drive nearly always torpedoes a fast computer&#8217;s Windows Experience Ratings. You&#8217;ve asked very good questions, so I&#8217;ll tackle them one by one.<span id="more-2464"></span></p>
<ul>
<li><em>How much stock should I put into Windows rankings?</em></li>
</ul>
<p>Windows Experience Ratings work best mostly when comparing several computers on the showroom floor:</p>
<ol>
<li>Click any computer&#8217;s Start button.</li>
<li>Right-click Computer, and choose Properties.</li>
</ol>
<p>The resulting Windows Experience Index lets you see at a glance which computer beats the other in a fistfight.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/WEI_words.png"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2477" style="border: 1px solid black;" title="Click the words Windows Experience Index to see a computer's strengths and weaknesses." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/08/WEI_words.png" alt="Click the words Windows Experience Index to see a computer's strengths and weaknesses." width="185" height="97" /></a>To probe a particular computer&#8217;s strengths and weaknesses, click the words &#8220;Windows Experience Index,&#8221; shown to the left, and Windows fetches the window shown at the top of this page. As you can see, the usual bottleneck with high-performance computers comes with their hard drives.</p>
<p>When it comes to speed, hard drives haven&#8217;t kept up with processors, memory and graphics cards. Sure, hard drives hold more files than ever. But they can&#8217;t move those files around very quickly.</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Can I do better  by replacing my current hard drive?</em></li>
</ul>
<p>Yes, you can. But before doing that, try the cheap approach: Make sure your motherboard drivers are up to date. Drop by your computer manufacturer&#8217;s Web site, and see if they&#8217;ve posted any updates for your computer&#8217;s motherboard. If you know the motherboard manufacturer, drop by its Web site, instead. Updating a driver sometimes improves your scores.</p>
<p>If that doesn&#8217;t help, it&#8217;s time for a second hard drive. See, most vendors cut costs by putting one <em>huge </em>hard drive in a computer. It&#8217;s a sales ploy, as prospective buyers feel reassured at seeing all that space. But that large size comes at a price: a slow transfer speed.</p>
<p>So, what do you do? Here&#8217;s the secret:</p>
<p>Buy a small, fast hard drive, and use it to store Windows and your programs. Then, use your whopper hard drive for storing all your music, digital photos, and videos. The Windows Experience Index only measures your <em>primary</em> hard disk &#8212; the one where Windows lives &#8212; so you&#8217;ll not only increase your score, but speed up your computer.</p>
<ul>
<li><em>What hard drives are on the market  that are scoring 7 and up in transfer speed?</em></li>
</ul>
<p>Solid State Drives, the big brothers to the flash drives carried around on keychains, are today&#8217;s fastest drives. With no moving parts, these drives really kick up your performance.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, they&#8217;re expensive. An Amazon search for <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&amp;location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref_%3Dnb%5Fsb%5Fnoss%26fsc%3D-1%26ih%3D4%5F0%5F0%5F0%5F0%5F0%5F0%5F0%5F0%5F1.115%5F105%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dinternal%2520hard%2520drive%2520ssd%26url%3Dnode%253D1254762011&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957">SSD internal hard drives</a> found a 256 GB drive on discount for $699. The fastest drives could be the OCZ Vertex 2 series; as I write this, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003NE5JCE?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B003NE5JCE">Amazon sells a 60GB OCZ Vertex 2 </a>for about $170. Sure, they&#8217;re small. But they&#8217;re large enough for Windows and a handful of key programs. Everything else can live on your slow-but-mammoth second drive.</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Are there changes I can  make to the format of my HD, such as the filing system, that will speed  it up and score it higher? </em></li>
</ul>
<p>No. If it was this easy, computer manufacturers would be boosting their scores by doing just that.</p>
<p>If you want the highest hard drive scores, go with the SSD drives. I&#8217;ve never seen a reviewer who didn&#8217;t immediately gloat over their speed increase. Many buyers begin lamenting over how slow everybody else&#8217;s computer seems to run in comparison.</p>
<p>So, to boost your Windows Experience Index, as well as your <em>own </em>experience, pony up the money for an SSD drive.</p>
<p>________________________________________________________________________<br />
<img class="alignleft" title="Click here to pre-order &quot;Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies&quot; from Amazon." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/UpFix8Cover.jpg" alt="Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies" width="139" height="173" />My latest book, <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','www.amazon.com']);" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a> features easy step-by-step guides with photos that help you upgrade and maintain your computer, laptop, or netbook. <em>The book is <a onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','www.amazon.com']);" href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">now available for pre-order on Amazon</a>.</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em></p>
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		<title>Running Adobe Flash and Adobe Reader in a 64-bit version of Windows</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/19/running-adobe-flash-and-adobe-reader-in-a-64-bit-version-of-windows/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/19/running-adobe-flash-and-adobe-reader-in-a-64-bit-version-of-windows/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 19 Jul 2010 12:00:50 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Internet]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows Vista]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[32-bit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[64-bit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adobe flash]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[adobe reader]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=1871</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Q: Is there a way to download Acrobat Flash Player and Acrobat Reader to my 64-bit version of Windows?  If I can&#8217;t use those programs on my 64-bit version of Windows, can I change my Windows version to 32-bit? A: Your 64-bit version of Windows can download and run the 32-bit version of Adobe Reader [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/19/running-adobe-flash-and-adobe-reader-in-a-64-bit-version-of-windows/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-2416" style="border: 1px solid black;" title="The 64-bit version of Windows 7 includes both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/64_IE_thumb.png" alt="The 64-bit version of Windows 7 includes both the 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Internet Explorer." width="139" height="139" /></a><em><strong>Q: </strong>Is there a way to download Acrobat Flash Player and Acrobat Reader to my 64-bit version of Windows?  If I  can&#8217;t use those programs on my 64-bit version of Windows, can I change my Windows version to 32-bit?<br />
</em></p>
<p><strong>A: </strong>Your 64-bit version of Windows can download and run the 32-bit version of Adobe Reader without any problem. Adobe offers <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/">Adobe Reader 32-bit program for free on its Web site</a>.</p>
<p>As for Flash, <a href="http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/000/6b3af6c9.html">Adobe doesn&#8217;t yet make a Flash player for a 64-bit browser</a>. Adobe has really dropped the ball on this one. Perhaps they&#8217;ve tired of patching all of its security flaws.</p>
<p>However,  your 64-bit version of Windows comes with both the 32-bit <em>and</em> the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer. By running the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer on your 64-bit computer, you can still view Flash on the Web.</p>
<p>Both versions of Internet Explorer share the same home page, and Favorites menu. Unless you specifically choose to run the 64-bit version of Internet Explorer, the 32-bit version of Internet Explorer usually runs. For example, the 32-bit version runs when you start the browser from any one of the following locations:<span id="more-1871"></span></p>
<ul>
<li>The Quick Launch toolbar</li>
<li>The Desktop</li>
<li>The Start menu</li>
<li>A link or a file type that&#8217;s set up to open with Internet Explorer</li>
</ul>
<p>The 64-bit version of Internet Explorer runs only when you choose &#8220;Internet Explorer (64-bit)&#8221; from the Start menu.</p>
<div id="attachment_2415" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 384px"><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/64_IE.png"><img class="size-full wp-image-2415" title="Choose About from Internet Explorer's Help menu to see if you're running the program's 32-bit or 64-bit version." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/64_IE.png" alt="Choose About from Internet Explorer's Help menu to see if you're running the program's 32-bit or 64-bit version." width="374" height="321" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Choose About from Internet Explorer&#39;s Help menu to see if you&#39;re running the program&#39;s 32-bit or 64-bit version.</p></div>
<p>Not sure which version of Internet Explorer you&#8217;re running? Then click &#8220;About Internet Explorer&#8221; from the browser&#8217;s Help menu. If you don&#8217;t see the words &#8220;64-bit&#8221; listed, then you&#8217;re running the 32-bit version.</p>
<p>As for changing your 64-bit version of Windows to the 32-bit version, that&#8217;s another ball of wax. In short, it&#8217;s a huge chore, and you probably wouldn&#8217;t be able to harness the full power of your current computer. The 64-bit version of Windows is the way of the future, and Adobe&#8217;s Flash will soon be pushed aside.</p>
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		<title>Recording HDTV from an antenna on a PC, laptop, or netbook</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/12/recording-hdtv-from-an-antenna-on-a-pc-laptop-or-netbook/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/12/recording-hdtv-from-an-antenna-on-a-pc-laptop-or-netbook/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 12:00:15 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hardware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[hdtv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[recording HDTV]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[TV tuner]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=2337</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(This is the fourth in a series of posts covering information taken from my upcoming book, Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies.) Let your computer double as a TV set by adding a TV tuner &#8212; a gadget that pulls in a TV signal, letting you channel surf and watch shows on your monitor. [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/NetbookWithTuner.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-2342 alignleft" title="Once you've connected your new tuner to a signal and set up Media Center, you can watch TV on your computer." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/NetbookWithTuner-150x150.jpg" alt="Once you've connected your new tuner to a signal and set up Media Center, you can watch TV on your computer." width="150" height="150" /></a><em>(This is the fourth in a <a href="../topics/books/upgrading-and-fixing-computers-do-it-yourself-for-dummies/">series of posts</a> covering information taken from  my upcoming book, <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/books/upgrading-and-fixing-computers-do-it-yourself-for-dummies/">Upgrading  and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a>.)</em></p>
<p>Let your computer double as a TV set by adding a <em>TV tuner</em> &#8212; a gadget that pulls in a TV signal, letting you channel surf and watch shows on your monitor.</p>
<p>The easiest TV tuners simply plug into a USB port, available on every computer, laptop, and netbook. When combined with the Media Center found in Windows Vista and Windows 7, TV Tuners also double as <em>digital video recorders</em>: Like a TiVo, they automatically record your favorite TV shows, letting you watch your faves whenever you&#8217;re ready.</p>
<p>USB tuners are easy to install, and they’re easily moved from one computer to another. (Keep an eye on your roommates.)</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll only pull in free HDTV station broadcasts if you&#8217;re within broadcast range, however, so your luck will vary considerably depending on where you live.<span id="more-2337"></span></p>
<h2>Step 1: Install a USB TV tuner</h2>
<p>To install a USB TV tuner onto a netbook, laptop, or desktop computer, follow these steps:<!--more--></p>
<ol>
<li>Unpack your TV tuner and find all the parts. The tuner itself has a USB plug on one end, and a coaxial cable port on the other. The <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DEYVXO?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=B001DEYVXO">Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q</a> tuner I used here includes a remote control, a miniature antenna for pulling in free HDTV signals from the air, and recording software for computers that lack Windows&#8217; Media Center.</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/UnboxingTuner.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2343" title="A USB TV tuner, the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/UnboxingTuner-300x225.jpg" alt="A USB TV tuner, the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-950Q" width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<li><strong> </strong>Slide the tuner’s USB plug into a USB port. Windows usually recognizes newly installed USB devices and sets them up to work correctly. If you don’t see the words “Device Installed Successfully,” install the tuner’s software, which should contain the right drivers.</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/YourDeviceIsReadyToUse.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2345" title="Your Device is Ready to Use" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/YourDeviceIsReadyToUse-300x72.png" alt="Your Device is Ready to Use" width="300" height="72" /></a></p>
<li>Visit the manufacturer’s Web site and download the latest setup software for your model of TV tuner, and run that software instead of the CD included in the box. (It’s more up-to-date.) Also, some TV tuners come with their own TV-viewing software. Instead of installing that bundled program, however, run a piece of software called &#8220;Windows Media Center Kit setup,&#8221; if you see one. That kit lets you control the tuner through Windows 7’s Media Center, instead of the bundled viewer.</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/WelcomeToHauppauge.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2344" title="Welcome To Hauppauge" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/WelcomeToHauppauge-300x221.png" alt="Welcome To Hauppauge" width="300" height="221" /></a></p>
<li>Set up the remote, if included. USB TV tuners usually have the receiver built into their box. Aim the remote control at the little box’s built-in receiver when changing channels. (The remote control included with this particular tuner only works with its own recording software; it doesn&#8217;t work with Windows 7 Media Player.)</li>
</ol>
<p>When you&#8217;re through connecting the tuner, you need to connect your TV signal: Without a TV signal, you won’t see any TV shows.</p>
<p>The tuner described here comes with an antenna that screws onto the tuner. If you live within range of a broadcast station, that&#8217;s all you need to grab a few HDTV channels.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re out of range, though, you need to connect the tuner to your cable signal, described next.</p>
<h2>Step 2: Connect a TV signal to your TV tuner</h2>
<p>This part’s easy, as the vast majority of TV tuners grab a TV signal only one way: through a <em>coaxial port</em>: a little threaded plug that lets you screw a connector onto it. If your room already has an unused coaxial cable poking out through the wall, screw it onto your tuner’s coaxial port. That’s it!</p>
<p>But if that coaxial cable’s already being hogged by a TV or cable box, then you need a <em>splitter</em>: a cheap little gadget that splits one cable into two, letting one end stay plugged into your TV or cable box, while the other plugs into your computer’s tuner. They’re available at nearly any store that sells TVs.</p>
<p>Installing a splitter is cheap, easy, and lets your TV work normally, even when your computer’s recording a different channel.</p>
<p>Follow these steps to install a splitter, which magically turns one cable into two: One for your computer, and the other for your TV or cable box. Here&#8217;s how</p>
<ol>
<li>Unplug the coaxial cable from the RF or VHF\UHF “In” port on your cable box or TV. Found on the back of every TV and cable box, that coax port accepts the signal from a TV cable that runs from either the wall or an antenna. You may need a pair of pliers to loosen the connector from the port on the back of your TV or cable box; your fingers can handle the rest.</li>
<div id="attachment_2341" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CoaxToVCR.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2341" title="Unplug the coax cable from the back of your TV set or cable box." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CoaxToVCR-300x225.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Unplug the coax cable from the back of your TV set or cable box.</p></div>
<li>Screw the coaxial cable’s connector into the end of the splitter with only one port (left). Coaxial cables should always screw onto a splitter; the push-on connectors tend to fall off. On the splitter&#8217;s other end, connect the coax cable for your cable box or TV set, as well as your computer&#8217;s TV tuner (right).</li>
<div id="attachment_2348" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CoaxSplitter.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2348" title="Coax Splitter" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CoaxSplitter-300x108.jpg" alt="Plug TV cable into the splitter's single port; plug two cables into the other end, one for your computer, and one for your TV." width="300" height="108" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Plug your TV cable into the splitter&#39;s single port; plug two cables into the other end, one for your computer, and one for your TV.</p></div>
<li>Plug one of your two new cables back into the spot where you unplugged it in Step 1, on either your TV or cable box. Then plug the other end into your TV tuner’s coaxial port . The splitter then lets your TV keep its same connection, so it still receives the same channels. Plus, your computer receives all the channels, as well.</li>
<div id="attachment_2340" class="wp-caption alignnone" style="width: 310px"><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CoaxToTuner.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2340" title="Plug the TV cable into your TV tuner." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/CoaxToTuner-300x217.jpg" alt="Plug the TV cable into your TV tuner." width="300" height="217" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Plug the TV cable into your TV tuner.</p></div>
<li>Fire up Windows 7&#8242;s Windows Media Center, follow the setup screens to tell the program about your tuner, and start watching TV on your computer.</li>
</ol>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/NetbookWithTuner.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-2342 alignnone" title="Once you've connected your new tuner to a signal and set up Media Center, you can watch TV on your computer." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/NetbookWithTuner-300x225.jpg" alt="Once you've connected your new tuner to a signal and set up Media Center, you can watch TV on your computer." width="300" height="225" /></a></p>
<p>Once you&#8217;ve connected your new tuner to a signal and set up Media  Center, you can watch TV on your computer. You won&#8217;t receive high-definition signals, but most cable companies broadcast channels 2-99 in regular definition.<br />
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1831" title="Click here to pre-order &quot;Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies&quot; from Amazon." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/UpFix8Cover.jpg" alt="Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies" width="139" height="173" /></a>Hitting the shelves this September, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a> features easy step-by-step guides with photos that help you upgrade and maintain your computer, laptop, or netbook.</em></p>
<p><em>The book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">now available for pre-order on Amazon</a>.</em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em><br />
<em> </em></p>
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		<title>Windows 7&#8242;s Blue Screen of Death: Is my computer dying?</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/05/windows-7s-blue-screen-of-death-is-my-computer-dying/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/07/05/windows-7s-blue-screen-of-death-is-my-computer-dying/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 05 Jul 2010 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Error message]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[blue screen of death]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bsod]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Error Code 41]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Power]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first.]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=2301</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Faced with a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) in Windows 7? Your laptop or computer may be overheating.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/BSOD.png"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2304" title="BSOD, short for the Blue Screen of Death, means your computer has crashed unexpected." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/BSOD-300x225.png" alt="BSOD, short for the Blue Screen of Death, means your computer has crashed unexpected." width="300" height="225" /></a><em>Q:</em></strong><em> I was recently scanning for viruses and defragmenting my hard drive while playing a computer game. Then my Windows 7 computer BSoD&#8217;ed. I&#8217;m not really surprised, because I was making my hard drive do so many things at once.</em></p>
<p><em>But lately, my computer has BSoD&#8217;ed a few times, and in the past few weeks it just completely shut down for no reason. I&#8217;ll be playing a game, browsing the web, and once I was browsing files in Explorer with nothing else open, and my laptop just shut down.</em></p>
<p><em>When it shuts down while plugged in, the charge light turns off, and the laptop won&#8217;t come on for a minute or two after the crash. What do you think the issue is? And what can I do about it?</em></p>
<p><strong>A:</strong> BSOD, an acronym for Blue Screen of Death, appears when Windows rudely stops working, leaving you gaping at cryptic wording across a blue screen. Unfortunately, the wording neither explains exactly why your computer crashed, nor does it apologize for all the unsaved work you&#8217;ve just lost.</p>
<p>Sometimes it&#8217;s obvious why your computer suddenly went on furlough: You&#8217;ve just restarted after installing a new piece of hardware, for example, or installed a new driver for a part inside your PC. But when the reason&#8217;s not obvious, it&#8217;s up to you to do the sleuthing. To narrow down the culprit, follow these steps:<span id="more-2301"></span></p>
<ol>
<li>Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and choose Manage.</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Start-Computer-Manage.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2313" title="Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and choose Manage from the pop-up menu." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Start-Computer-Manage-300x266.png" alt="Click the Start button, right-click Computer, and choose Manage from the pop-up menu." width="300" height="266" /></a></p>
<li>In the right-hand column, click Event Viewer. (Double-click the window&#8217;s title bar to make it full-size, as Windows 7 packs a lot of information in there.)</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ClickEventViewer.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2310" title="In the right-hand column, choose Event Viewer." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ClickEventViewer-300x214.png" alt="In the right-hand column, choose Event Viewer." width="300" height="214" /></a></p>
<li>In this order, look at the Critical, Error, and Warning entries, and see if you spot a trend. (The reader noticed more than 20 entries for &#8220;Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-Power&#8221; failures, followed by an error code of &#8220;41,&#8221; with the words, &#8220;The system has rebooted without cleanly shutting down first.&#8221;)</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ExamineCriticalEntries.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2311" title="Start by examining entries marked Critical." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/ExamineCriticalEntries-300x214.png" alt="Start by examining entries marked Critical." width="300" height="214" /></a></p>
<li>Google the error code number, as well as the name of the failure.</li>
<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/GoogleErrorMessage.png"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-2312" title="Search Google for the error message." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/GoogleErrorMessage-300x214.png" alt="Search Google for the error message." width="300" height="214" /></a></ol>
<p>In this case, <a href="http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2028504">Microsoft&#8217;s Knowledge Base listed the Error Code 41 problem</a>: His laptop was most likely overheating because of the stress of intensive gaming, as well as poor ventilation.</p>
<p>He began placing his laptop on a flat surface like a book, which allowed for better air circulation and a cooler laptop.</p>
<p>If you&#8217;re spotting this problem on a desktop PC, it&#8217;s probably time to take your PC outside, remove its case, and blow all the dust out of your PC with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&amp;location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26x%3D0%26ref_%3Dnb%5Fsb%5Fnoss%26y%3D0%26field-keywords%3Dfalcon%2520compressed%2520gas%26url%3Dsearch-alias%253Daps&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=ur2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957">can of compressed gas</a>. Be sure to clear the dust-clogged vents, and blow away the thin layer of dust covering all the parts of your PC. When you&#8217;re through, the PC should look shiny and new inside again. Replace the cover, and, if overheating was the cause, the problem should clear up.</p>
<p>If the issue continues, check the other scenarios listed on Microsoft&#8217;s Knowledge Base:</p>
<ol>
<li><strong>Overclocking</strong>: Done mostly by enthusiasts, this refers to running special programs that make the computer work more quickly than normal, which can cause problems.</li>
<li><strong>Check  the memory</strong>: Check for memory problems by using a memory checking program.</li>
<li><strong>Power Supply</strong>: Make sure that the power  supply has enough watts to handle your computer.  If you&#8217;ve added memory, installed a newer processor, installed additional  drives, or added external devices, they may require more energy  than your power supply can provide.</li>
<li><strong>Overheating</strong>: (That&#8217;s the scenario discussed here.)</li>
<li><strong>Defaults</strong>: Use system  defaults, and run the system. (Microsoft tosses this one in as a last resort, apparently telling people to reinstall Windows and see if the problem continues.)</li>
</ol>
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		<title>What&#8217;s the difference between a Windows 7 System Image and a System Recovery disc, and in what order should I use them?</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/06/14/whats-the-difference-between-a-system-image-and-a-system-recovery-disc-and-what-order-should-i-use-them/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/06/14/whats-the-difference-between-a-system-image-and-a-system-recovery-disc-and-what-order-should-i-use-them/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Jun 2010 12:00:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[asus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[order to install]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[system image]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[system recovery disc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[system repair disc]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=2199</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Q: What is the difference between the Windows 7 System Recovery disc that came with my computer, and the System Image you describe how to make in Windows 7 For Dummies? And in what order do I use those if something goes wrong? Do I have to use them all? A: Earlier, I explained how [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/RecoveryDisc.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-2325" title="A System Recovery disc" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/RecoveryDisc-300x300.jpg" alt="A System Recovery disc" width="200" height="200" /></a>Q:</strong> What is the difference between the Windows 7 System Recovery disc that came with my computer, and the System Image you describe how to make in <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/books/windows-7-for-dummies/">Windows 7 For Dummies</a>? And in what order do I use those if something goes wrong? Do I have to use them all?</em></p>
<p><strong>A: </strong>Earlier, I explained how to create a <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/02/19/system-image-vs-regular-backup-in-windows-7/">System Image</a> &#8211; a complete backup of your C: drive, which includes Windows, your programs, and the files in your libraries.</p>
<p>I also explained <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2009/12/21/the-difference-betweensystem-recovery-discs-and-windows-7s-system-repair-disc/">how a System Recovery disc differs from a Windows 7 System Repair disc</a>. Here&#8217;s some more information to help you use them each in the right way:<span id="more-2199"></span></p>
<p><strong>System Recovery Disc:</strong> Tossed in with many new computers, the System Recovery disc is designed to handle only the most dire of emergencies. It’s meant to be used when your computer crashes, and you&#8217;re left with no other option. The System Recovery disc completely erases everything on your computer – Windows, your programs, and all of your files – and it returns your computer to the state it was in when first sold. That means it will have Windows and the computer&#8217;s bundled programs, but none of your files or installed programs.</p>
<p><strong>System Image:</strong> A System Image, by contrast, lets you create a complete copy of your <em>current</em> C: drive: Windows 7, your programs, and all your data. It&#8217;s contains everything on your C: drive up to the moment you create it. If your computer crashes, you can use the System Image to reinstall Windows, your programs, and all of your files. It’s much better than the System Recovery Disk because it preserves all the information you’ve placed on your computer since you bought it. A System Image only contains your C: drive, though; it doesn&#8217;t contain information on your <em>other </em>drives. Those should be backed up separately.</p>
<p><strong>System Repair Disc: </strong>To use a System Image, you need a <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2009/12/21/the-difference-betweensystem-recovery-discs-and-windows-7s-system-repair-disc/">System Repair Disc</a>. This disc, separate from your System Image, can be stored on a single CD or DVD. In fact, Windows 7 automatically asks if you&#8217;d like to create a System Repair Disc whenever you create a System Image. Down the road, if your computer crashes, you insert the System Repair Disc into your computer. Your computer loads from the System Repair Disc rather than your computer&#8217;s hard drive. When it begins running, the System Repair disc offers you many repair options, including restoring your computer from your System Image.</p>
<p><strong>Driver and Utility Disc:</strong> Commonly tossed in with new computers, this contains drivers and utility programs bundled with your computer when sold. If you ever reinstall Windows using a “stock” version of Windows, probably from a DVD borrowed from a friend, Windows won’t have all the drivers it needs to make all parts of your computer work correctly. So, by inserting the Driver and Utility disc, Windows can grab the drivers from there, letting your computer work like normal.</p>
<p>You&#8217;ll never have to use <em>any</em> of these discs unless your hard drive dies or your Windows is somehow messed up beyond repair. If something goes terribly wrong, here’s the order you should use these discs:</p>
<ol>
<li>Always use a System Image <em>first</em>. That returns your computer to the state it was in when you created the System Image. And, if you created a System Image from your computer when it was working fine, you should be in good shape, with Windows, your programs, and your files intact. You won&#8217;t need any the System Recovery disc or the Drivers and Utility disc.</li>
<li>No System Image? Then your second choice is the System Recovery Disc that came with your computer. That wipes out everything, unfortunately, leaving you with a “new” computer that has Windows and your computer&#8217;s originally installed programs, but nothing else. You won&#8217;t need to use the Drivers and Utility disc, but you&#8217;ll have to reinstall any programs you&#8217;ve purchased or downloaded.</li>
<li>No System Recovery Disc or a System Image? Then borrow a copy of Windows 7 from a friend, install it onto your computer, entering the Windows 7 Product Key from the sticker on your computer. Then, after installing Windows, insert your Driver &amp; Utility disc so Windows can install the right drivers for your computer.</li>
</ol>
<p>In short, a System Image is the way to go. If you haven&#8217;t done so, be sure to <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/02/19/system-image-vs-regular-backup-in-windows-7/">create a System Image </a>now, when your computer is still working well.</p>
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		<title>Setting up &#8220;Windows XP mode&#8221; in Windows 7</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/05/03/running-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/05/03/running-windows-xp-mode-in-windows-7/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 03 May 2010 12:00:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows XP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[setting up Windows XP mode]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows Virtual PC]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows XP Mode]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=1848</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(This is the third in a series of posts covering information taken from my upcoming book, Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies.) Many Windows XP programs run fine under Windows 7, but a few oldsters refuse to adjust to the new world of Windows 7. To help your old Windows XP programs keep gasping [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModeWebSite6_550.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1968 alignleft" title="Welcome to Windows XP!" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModeWebSite6_550-300x246.png" alt="" width="300" height="246" /></a><em>(This is the third in a <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/topics/books/upgrading-and-fixing-computers-do-it-yourself-for-dummies/">series  of posts</a> covering information taken from  my upcoming book, <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/www.amazon.com');" href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/books/upgrading-and-fixing-computers-do-it-yourself-for-dummies/">Upgrading  and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a>.)</em></p>
<p><em> </em>Many Windows XP programs run fine under Windows 7, but a few oldsters refuse to adjust to the new world of Windows 7. To help your old Windows XP programs keep gasping along, Microsoft released &#8220;Windows XP Mode.&#8221;</p>
<p>This free download lets you run Windows XP programs while sequestered inside their <em>own</em> Windows 7 window.</p>
<p>Even when running in their own happy Windows XP world, the Windows XP programs have access to your <em>real </em>computer&#8217;s files and disk drives, making for a peaceful coexistence with Windows 7.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the first version of Windows XP mode required computers with a special type of CPU, leaving out many potential customers. This month, Microsoft upgraded its software to remove the CPU requirement, but Windows XP mode still only runs on <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/support/requirements.aspx">Windows 7&#8242;s Enterprise, Professional, or Ultimate versions</a>.</p>
<p>Follow these steps to install Windows XP Mode on your Windows 7 computer and begin running your holdout Windows XP  programs within their own happy Windows XP world:<span id="more-1848"></span></p>
<ol>
<li>Visit Microsoft&#8217;s <a href="http://www.microsoft.com/windows/virtual-pc/download.aspx">Windows Virtual PC Web site </a>(below) and fill out a short questionnaire about both your Windows 7 version (32- or 64-bit) and your preferred language. (Windows XP comes in about two dozen different languages.)</li>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1916 alignnone" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Fill out the online questionnaire, and the site lists the three files you need to download for installing Windows XP Mode." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModeWebSite550.png" alt="" width="550" height="400" /></p>
<li>Download each of the three files listed by the Web site: <em>Windows XP Mode</em>, <em>Windows Virtual PC</em>, and <em>Windows XP Mode Update.</em> (You may also need to download and run Microsoft&#8217;s Windows Activation Update to prove you&#8217;re running a legitimate version of Windows 7.)</li>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1946" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Download the three files listed by the Web site." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModeWebSite2.png" alt="" width="414" height="307" /></p>
<li>First, run the Windows XP Mode program. (The downloaded file was called <em>WindowsXPMode_en-us.exe</em> on my computer; yours should be named something similar.)</li>
<li>Second, run the Windows Virtual PC program, also known as <em>KB958559</em>. You need to restart your computer afterward.</li>
<li>Finally, run the Windows XP Mode Update, also known as <em>KB977206</em>, and restart your computer, once again. (This is the update that removes the hardware virtualization requirement, allowing more computers can run the program.)</li>
<li>Open Windows XP Mode by clicking Start, choosing All Programs, clicking Windows Virtual PC, and choosing Windows XP Mode.</li>
<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1949 alignnone" title="WinXPModeLaunch" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModeLaunch.png" alt="Open a Windows XP window by clicking Start, clicking All Programs, clicking Windows Virtual PC, and clicking Windows XP Mode." width="538" height="542" /></p>
<li>In a strange deja vu, you find yourself installing Windows XP once again, clicking your way past a licensing agreement screen, and entering a password for your given username of &#8220;XPMUser.&#8221;</li>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1956" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Choose a password for your new Windows XP Mode window" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModePassword.png" alt="" width="549" height="442" /></p>
<li>Be sure to let the program turn on Automatic Updates to keep your virtual XP world updated through Windows Update. Remember, Windows XP isn&#8217;t nearly as secure as Windows 7.</li>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1960" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Be sure to turn on Automatic Updates to keep your Virtual Windows XP world patched and secure." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/XPModeHelpProtectYourComputer.png" alt="" width="549" height="442" /></p>
<li>Click Start Setup to give your Windows XP window access to the files and folders on your Windows 7 computer.</li>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1965" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Click Start Setup to give your Windows XP Mode programs access to your files and folders." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/XPModeShareDrives.png" alt="" width="549" height="442" /></ol>
<p>Windows 7 begins setting up Windows XP Mode, and ends by showing Windows XP running within its own window, complete with its cheery welcome message: &#8220;There are unused icons on your desktop.&#8221; Welcome back to Windows XP!<br />
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1968" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Welcome to Windows XP!" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/WinXPModeWebSite6_550.png" alt="" width="550" height="452" /><br />
To start exploring, open the My Computer program from the Start menu, and you&#8217;ll see your computer&#8217;s disk drives.</p>
<p>Windows XP Mode differs from a &#8220;real&#8221; version of Windows XP in several ways:</p>
<ul>
<li>To install a program, insert the program&#8217;s CD or DVD into the drive, and install it from there. (You&#8217;ll need to double-click your CD or DVD drive&#8217;s icon to open it, then double-click the file named <strong>setup.exe </strong>to begin installing the program.)</li>
<li>Windows XP Mode runs <em>Windows XP Service Pack 3</em>, not the first version of Windows XP. That means that the billions of patches Microsoft has released over the last decade are included, so Windows XP mode installs much more quickly than that old Windows XP CD sitting in your desk drawer.</li>
<li>USB plug-in drives &#8212; flash drives, portable hard drives and the like &#8212; show up in both Windows 7 and Windows XP, which is very handy.</li>
<li>You can cut and paste between your Windows XP and your Windows 7 worlds. Also very handy.</li>
<li>Once you&#8217;ve installed Windows XP programs in Windows XP mode, they show up on your Windows 7 Start menu. Click the Start button, choose All Programs, click Windows Virtual PC, and you&#8217;ll see your Windows XP program listed.</li>
<li>Close down Windows XP Mode from its own Start menu. Or, click the Ctrl+Alt+Del menu atop the window; then click the Shut Down button.</li>
<li>Windows XP Mode loads your virtual Windows XP world with 512MB of memory. Surprisingly, this is plenty for most old Windows XP  programs. But you need more memory, close Windows XP Mode and perform a virtual upgrade: Click the Start button, choose All Programs, click Windows Virtual PC.  Windows Virtual PC opens, and it looks just like a folder. Click the Windows XP Mode entry, click Settings on the menu bar, and start tweaking any of its settings, including its 512MB memory limit.</li>
</ul>
<p>Windows XP Mode isn&#8217;t for everybody, and it&#8217;s not as easy to use as a standalone Windows XP computer. But if you simply must keep that Windows XP program running, it&#8217;s a convenient life-support system.<br />
______________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br />
<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1831" title="Click here to pre-order &quot;Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies&quot; from Amazon." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/UpFix8Cover.jpg" alt="Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies" width="139" height="173" /></a>Hitting the shelves this September, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a> features easy step-by-step guides with photos that help you upgrade and maintain your computer, laptop, or netbook.</em></p>
<p><em>The book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">now available for pre-order on Amazon</a>.</em><br />
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		<title>Taking screenshots in any version of Windows</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/04/26/taking-screenshots-in-any-version-of-windows/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/04/26/taking-screenshots-in-any-version-of-windows/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:00:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows Vista]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows XP]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[printing the screen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[screen shots]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[screenshots]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=1869</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Q: I am running Windows 7 Home, and I need to print screen shots. The Print Screen button doesn&#8217;t work. What am I doing wrong? A: When you press the Print Screen key, usually labeled &#8220;Prt Scr,&#8221; &#8220;Print Scr,&#8221; &#8220;PrtSc&#8221; or something similar, you won&#8217;t think anything has happened. It certainly won&#8217;t send your screen [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><em><strong><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/04/26/taking-screenshots-in-any-version-of-windows/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1878" title="The Print Screen key" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/PrtScr.jpg" alt="The Print Screen key captures an image of the screen, but doesn't send it to your printer." width="350" height="260" /></a>Q:</strong> I am running Windows 7 Home, and I  need to print screen shots. The Print Screen button doesn&#8217;t work. What am I doing wrong?</em></p>
<p><strong>A: </strong>When you press the Print Screen key, usually labeled &#8220;Prt Scr,&#8221; &#8220;Print Scr,&#8221; &#8220;PrtSc&#8221; or something similar, you won&#8217;t think anything has happened. It certainly won&#8217;t send your screen to the printer.</p>
<p>But in the background, Windows has sent a snapshot of your screen to the <em>Clipboard</em>, a little storage tank for things you want to change.</p>
<p>In your case, since you want to print that snapshot, you should copy your snapshot into a graphics program like Paint. (Paint is a graphics program included with every version of Windows, including Windows 7.)</p>
<p>Follow these steps to print or save screenshots from within any version of Windows:<span id="more-1869"></span></p>
<ol>
<li>On your Windows desktop, align your windows the way you want them to appear when printed or saved as files.</li>
<li>Press the Prt Scr key to send the image of your desktop to Windows 7&#8242;s hidden Clipboard. (To capture only an image of your <em>currently open window</em>, hold down Ctrl while pressing PrtScr.)</li>
<li>Click the Start menu, choose All Programs, choose Accessories, and click on Paint.</li>
<li>When Paint opens, click the Paste icon from the ribbon along the top; your image will appear in Paint.</li>
<li>Once the image is in Paint, you can print it (Ctrl+P) or save it as a file (Ctrl+S). (You can also edit it with Paint&#8217;s editing tools before printing or saving your handiwork.)</li>
</ol>
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		<title>Windows no longer shows photo layouts for printing</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/03/18/windows-no-longer-shows-photo-layouts-for-printing/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/03/18/windows-no-longer-shows-photo-layouts-for-printing/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 18 Mar 2010 13:00:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7 for Dummies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[layout pane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[missing layout pane]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[missing print options]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[photo printing wizard]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=1656</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Q: On Figure 16-5, page 319 of Windows 7 For Dummies, I don&#8217;t have any photo layout options for printing other than full page. How can I get a choice of layouts, please? I am tired printing single photos. A: Windows 7&#8242;s built-in Photo Printing Wizard normally lists a variety of photo layout choices along [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/03/18/windows-no-longer-shows-photo-layouts-for-printing/"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1657" title="Windows 7 normally shows print layout options along the left." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ContactSheet-e1268684662111.png" alt="" width="324" height="242" /></a><em>Q:</em></strong><em> On Figure 16-5, page 319 of <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/books/windows-7-for-dummies/">Windows 7 For Dummies</a>, I don&#8217;t have any photo layout options for printing other than full page. </em></p>
<p><em>How can I get a choice of layouts, please? I am tired printing single photos.</em></p>
<p><strong>A:</strong> Windows 7&#8242;s built-in Photo Printing Wizard normally lists a variety of photo layout choices along its left pane. Some choices let you print a large photo across the entire page, for example; other options let you print wallet-sized prints, or contact sheets.<br />
Those options vanish, however, under two conditions:</p>
<ul>
<li><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1669" title="paper_size" src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/paper_size.png" alt="" width="97" height="78" />You&#8217;ve set the program&#8217;s Paper Size options to something besides &#8220;Letter.&#8221; To fix that, click the program&#8217;s &#8220;Paper Size&#8221; drop-down box, shown to the right, and choose &#8220;Letter.&#8221;</li>
<li>Your printer isn&#8217;t set up to accept a normal, 8&#215;11 inch sheet of paper. To switch your printer to that paper size and restore the layout options, follow these steps:<span id="more-1656"></span></li>
</ul>
<ol>
<li>Click the Start menu and choose Control Panel.</li>
<li>Choose Hardware and Sound, then Devices and Printers.</li>
<li>Right-click your printer, and choose Printing Preferences.</li>
<li>Make sure that &#8220;Letter&#8221; is set in the Paper Sizes drop-down box.</li>
<li>Click OK to save.</li>
</ol>
<p>When you return to the Photo Printing Wizard, the layout pane should reappear.</p>
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		<title>Creating a System Image in Windows 7</title>
		<link>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/03/15/creating-a-system-image-in-windows-7/</link>
		<comments>http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/03/15/creating-a-system-image-in-windows-7/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 15 Mar 2010 13:00:44 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Andy Rathbone</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Books]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Hardware]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Windows 7]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[backup]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[creating a system image]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[system image]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.andyrathbone.com/?p=1573</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[(This is the first of a series of posts covering information taken from my upcoming book, Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies.) Windows 7’s Backup and Restore program lets you create a “System Image,” as well as a regular backup. Different from a regular backup, System Image contains everything on your computer’s C drive: [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><img class="size-full wp-image-1607 alignleft" title="This tiny portable hard drive holds 500 GB." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/WesternDigitalPassport500GB.png" alt="" width="256" height="192" /><em>(This is the first of a <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/topics/books/upgrading-and-fixing-computers-do-it-yourself-for-dummies/">series of posts </a>covering information taken from my upcoming book, <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/books/upgrading-and-fixing-computers-do-it-yourself-for-dummies/">Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a>.)</em></p>
<p>Windows 7’s Backup and Restore program lets you create a “System Image,” as well as a regular backup. <a href="http://www.andyrathbone.com/2010/02/19/system-image-vs-regular-backup-in-windows-7/">Different from a regular backup</a>, System Image contains <em>everything </em>on your computer’s C drive: your activated copy of Windows and your installed programs, as well as your files and libraries.</p>
<p>A portable hard drive is the perfect receptacle for a System Image, as you can keep the portable drive in a safe location, far from any hazards that may befall your PC. (I really like the Western Digital &#8220;Passport&#8221; drive I bought at Costco, shown in the margin.)</p>
<p>When your C drive eventually dies or you&#8217;re hankering to upgrade to a bigger, faster Windows drive, a System Image is your best friend. Here’s how to create one:<span id="more-1573"></span></p>
<ol>
<li>Plug a portable hard drive into your computer&#8217;s USB port. No portable hard drive? You can still choose to save your System Image to either a second internal drive in your PC or to a network location. Those areas aren’t perfect backup locations, but they’re better than nothing.</li>
<li>Click on the Start button, choose Control Panel, and choose Backup Your Computer from the System and Security section. Then choose “Create a System Image” from the left pane, shown below:</li>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1600" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Create the System Image offer the the Backup and Recovery window's left pane." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/SystemImage1-e1268524223570.png" alt="" width="573" height="146" /></p>
<li>Choose where you want to save the image: a hard drive, a handful of DVDs, or on a network location. Click the “On a hard disk” drop-down menu, choose your portable hard drive, and choose Next. (Your hard drive will probably have a different letter than the one in the figure below.)</li>
<p><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-1603" style="margin-top: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px;" title="Choose your portable hard drive (or another hard drive) from the drop-down menu." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/SystemImage2-e1268524446365.png" alt="" width="472" height="430" /></p>
<li>Click Next at the following window, which confirms that you’re creating a System Image of your “(C:) (System)” partition, which is where Windows and your files live. Then click Start Backup; the backup takes about a half hour for each 100 GB of files, but you can continue working while backing up.</li>
<li>When the backup finishes, take up Windows&#8217; offer to Create a Bootable Repair Disk: Insert a blank CD into your CD/DVD burner, and follow the instructions.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong> </strong>Later, if your C drive dies or you’ve replaced it with a larger hard drive, you can insert the repair disk into your CD or DVD drive, and turn on your PC. Your PC boots from the CD, and offers an option to restore your system image backup. Take it up on its offer, browse to your saved System Image, and let Windows 7 put itself – and your data — back onto your hard drive to bring everything back to normal.<br />
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<em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1831" title="Click here to pre-order &quot;Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies&quot; from Amazon." src="http://www.andyrathbone.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/UpFix8Cover.jpg" alt="Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies" width="139" height="173" /></a>Hitting the shelves this September, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">Upgrading and Fixing Computers Do-It-Yourself For Dummies</a> features easy step-by-step guides with photos that help you upgrade and maintain your computer, laptop, or netbook.</em></p>
<p><em>The book is <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0470557435?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=andyrathboswebsi&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=390957&amp;creativeASIN=0470557435">now  available for pre-order on Amazon</a>.</em><br />
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